What Does #Brexit Mean for Ag?

Jamie Johansen June 24, 2016

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Did/do you have a summer job on a farm?”

Growing up on a beef cow/calf operation in Southwest Missouri meant my summers were spent in the hay field or showing my Herefords at local, state and national livestock shows. I was thrilled to see such a diverse response to this week’s poll. No matter the type of farm work, it teaches young people what hard work and dedication is all about. Even though my farm work experiences were year round and sometimes I wasn’t a big fan, I wouldn’t trade lessons learned on the farm for the world.

Here are the poll results:

Yes, feeding cattle – 17%
Yes, hauling hay – 20%
Yes, on a dairy – 6%
Yes, building fence – 15%
Yes, in row crops – 20%
No – 20%
Other – 2%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What does Brexit mean for ag?

The United Kingdom has voted themselves out of the European Union. Markets around the globe are down and it seems time will only tell the complete global impact. What does this mean for agriculture. With the value of the Euro in question, will this reduce agricultural trade and impact the agricultural economy?

ZimmPoll

35 Years Experience Advocating at #ASTAannual

Kelly Marshall June 24, 2016

Today’s news might make you believe the fight against agriculture technology is a modern issue, but Katie Fast of Oregonians for Food and Shelter told an audience at the American Seed Trade Association annual meeting, her organization has been dealing with consumer misinformation since 1980.

This grassroots network of farmers and foresters began focusing on the responsible use of resources, crop protection products, and biotechnology when a local county faced a ban on aerial application of a pesticide. Since then they’ve been working to educate consumers as they attempt to pass food labeling initiatives and other farming and forestry regulations.

But educating the consumer isn’t the only thing they’re working towards. “In Oregon we’re a specialty crop state, very different from the midwest,” Fast explains. “And so we see a need to educate our farmers who are using the technology on [advocacy] more, because they want to advocate …, but they need more information as well.”

In fact, currently OFS is partnering with CropLife to develop messaging and tools for growers to be better advocates for themselves. Fast sees growers as their own best offense, but it is her job to help them do it successfully. With more than 35 years of experience behind them, it seems OSA is in the right place to give that support. But Fast admits things today are very different than they were when the organization was founded.

“I would say we are dealing with the same issues from the 80s but its been piling on top. And there are more challenges. There are more challenges on the farm for the operators in terms of new regulations and we’re trying to hold some of that back.”

Listen to Cindy’s full interview here: Interview with Katie Fast, Oregonians for Food and Shelter

2016 ASTA Annual Meeting photo album

Ag Groups, ASTA, Audio

#Ethanol Markets Outlook from @Novozymes

Cindy Zimmerman June 24, 2016

Current market conditions affecting the ethanol industry today were a big topic of discussion at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Milwaukee this week.

Jack Rogers, global marketing manager in charge of Novozymes bioenzymes portfolio, says one of the challenges the ethanol industry is facing today includes a big dip in commodity prices so oil, corn and ethanol prices have come down dramatically.

“We also see the supply demand balance. It’s very delicate at this point so margins for the producers are certainly compressed. As we look toward the near term outlook, margins are going to be tight. There will be a big emphasis on efficiency for the plants,” explained Rogers.

Like a great company should, Novozymes is responding to the market changes with keeping their customers’ needs top of mind. One way Novozymes is doing business during this time of lower commodity prices is working the different channels whether it be governmental or straight talk with the consumer.

“Novozymes is certainly very active and dedicated in promoting the good messages we have with ethanol,” Rogers said. “So one of the key things we do want to do with ethanol is make sure that consumers understand the benefits. And when they do, we can actually grow the market. We’ve got a great product and the more we can grow the market the more room we can create for everyone and what we’re doing here.”

Novozymes is continually innovating the ethanol market. Rogers noted that going back to the aforementioned conditions, producers really have to find new ways to optimize using technologies and tools that weren’t before available. “What we’ve done is broaden our product portfolio to make sure we have products that are finetuned to whatever process conditions, to whatever performance and cost targets that our customers have.”

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Jack Rogers, Novozymes

You can find photos from the 2016 FEW here: 2016 FEW Photo Album

Coverage of the Fuel Ethanol Conference is sponsored by

Audio, Corn, Ethanol

Industry Pleased with #GMO Labeling Compromise

Cindy Zimmerman June 24, 2016

Leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday announced a bipartisan compromise on GMO labeling legislation in advance of the pending implementation of a state law in Vermont.

“Our marketplace – both consumers and producers – needs a national biotechnology standard to avoid chaos in interstate commerce,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) about the compromise reached with Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “I urge my colleagues to support this approach. It is a far better alternative than Vermont’s law with its destructive ramifications up and down the supply chain.”

Industry organizations reacted with support for the Senate compromise. “This is the solution needed for the entire food chain in our nation from farm to fork: consumers, farmers, food producers, manufacturers, retailers and small businesses,” said Coalition for Safe Affordable Food co-chairs Pamela Bailey of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Chuck Conner with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. “This solution increases consumer access to additional product information without stigmatizing a safe, proven technology that is relied on by American farmers. While Vermont’s GMO on-package labeling mandate is set to take effect on July 1, we remain confident that a national solution can be passed into law by Congress before the negative impacts of Vermont’s law become pervasive.”

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) urged the Senate and House to act swiftly to pass the legislation.

“The introduction of this solution comes at a critical time when Congress must act to restore sanity to America’s food labeling laws,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “It is imperative that the Senate and House both take up this issue immediately to avoid a situation in which all American consumers pay a high price and gain little actual information.”

Other groups coming out in favor of the compromise include the American Soybean Association and National Farmers Union. American Farm Bureau expressed some reservations, however. “We are reviewing this legislative proposal, and over the next few days will determine how it fits with our policy,” said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. “”The mandatory feature holds significant potential to contribute to confusion and unnecessary alarm. Regardless of the outcome, we continue to believe a national, voluntary standard remains the best approach.”

GMO labeling was a big topic of discussion at the American Seed Trade Association annual meeting this week in Portland, Oregon. ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says the full Senate and House will still need to take action on the compromise. “They can get the law passed after July 1 but companies now have to start making decisions on what they’re going to do in case that doesn’t happen,” he said. “The thing we don’t want is for Vermont to run the country. We need to have a federal law.” Interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA

AFBF, Biotech, NCGA

Make Plans to Attend InterDrone 2016

Jamie Johansen June 24, 2016

InterDrone’s debut event in 2015 brought in an impressive 2,797 delegates from 48 nations and returns to Las Vegas Sept. 7-9 in a premier location: The Paris Las Vegas Hotel. The ZimmComm family of agricultural news sites is once again a media sponsor and wanted to share how this year’s event will top the debut just a year ago.

Three distinct tracks define the event in 2016: Drone TechCon for builders; Drone Enterprise for those using drones for commercial activities including precision agriculture; and Drone Cinema: where image quality and range are paramount. In total it will feature 120 sessions for engineers, software developers, executives, investors, regulators and commercial drone “buyers and flyers” in more than a dozen vertical market segments. 4,000+ attendees from 6 continents and 125+ exhibitors.

InterDrone also has a partnership with CTIA Super Mobility 2016, being hosted less an one km away, in which InterDrone attendees get free expo access (a $200 value) to visit 1,000 mobile infrastructure exhibitors, with shuttle buses running between the sites. Receive a $150 discount off the prevailing rate of the 3 day InterDrone pass by inserting the code FLYIT or a $25 discount off any InterDrone expo pass with code EXPO when prompted at www.interdrone.com.

Ag Groups, Technology

Get to Know Emily Skor, CEO, @GrowthEnergy

Chuck Zimmerman June 23, 2016

After meeting Emily Skor during the recent EPA RFS hearings in Kansas City I got to sit down and visit with her at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Milwaukee, WI. Emily is the new CEO of Growth Energy. At her very first FEW event she was the keynote speaker. You can listen to her speech here.

Prior to joining Growth Energy Emily was vice president of communications for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. While there she had much success in building strategic communications plans where you harness the support of consumers, thought leaders of stakeholder groups and basically a broad coalition of voices. She says you can harness that support in a way that affects policy.

The position with Growth Energy intrigued her because as a Minnesota native she loved the idea of working for an industry that is so important to the heart of America. She sees that the ethanol industry has built a megaphone to champion issues and the cause in the marketplace. Now the conversation needs to expand beyond the corn belt and the beltway to all consumers.

Emily says there are three key areas of focus for Growth Energy. One is continue to make sure the regulatory and policy environment is pro-ethanol. Another is helping build the marketplace, the infrastructure. And finally to drive consumer demand for ethanol.

Learn more about Emily and her work for Growth Energy in this week’s program: ZimmCast with Emily Skor, Growth Energy

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Audio, Biofuels, Ethanol, ZimmCast

Historic #ASTAannual with OSA is a Win-Win

Cindy Zimmerman June 23, 2016

The leadership of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and the Oregon Seed Association (OSA) were all smiles at the Gala Banquet concluding the trailblazing joint annual meeting of the two organizations this week in Portland, Oregon.

“This worked out wonderfully,” said OSA president Greg Loberg of West Coast Beet Seed. “We wanted to enhance the partnerships between members of OSA and members of ASTA… we’re pleased that we have made as much progress we have made in strengthening relationships.”

Listen to my interview with Greg here: Interview with OSA president Greg Loberg

This historic annual meeting, which drew more than 470 seed industry professionals from across the nation, would not have been possible without the trailblazing first woman chair of the American Seed Trade Association, Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon. She was thrilled with the joint meeting that marked the end of her year as chair for ASTA. From here, Risa will continue serving on the board of ASTA as a past chair.

Listen to my closing interview with Risa here: Interview with outgoing ASTA chair Risa DeMasi

2016 ASTA-OSA Annual Meeting photo album

ASTA, Audio, Seed

#ASTAannual Elects New Leadership

Kelly Marshall June 23, 2016

LtoR: ASTA officers Jerry Flint, DuPont Pioneer; Tracy Tally, Justin Seeds; Mark Herrmann, AgReliant Genetics

Among all the seminars and committee meetings of the American Seed Trade Association’s annual meeting one of the most important items of business was the election of the officer team for the coming year. They are:

• Chair: Mark Herrmann, AgReliant Genetics
• First Vice Chair: Tracy Tally, Justin Seeds
• Second Vice Chair: Jerry Flint, DuPont Pioneer

The 2016-2017 team will work to move the strategic five year plan forward, which includes advocacy, efficiency of operations, as well as internal and external communications.

“The seed industry today faces both unprecedented challenges and opportunities,” said incoming Chair Mark Herrmann. “Whether it’s the threat of regulatory uncertainty, international issues impacting the movement of seed, or simply a lack of understanding from the public about the importance of the work we do—it’s never been more important that we proactively drive a strong and unified industry to address the issues we will face in the future.”

Herrmann is an Illinois native and first went to work for DEKALB, moving to Monsanto when the company was acquired, and now has made the switch to AgReliant Genetics. He is committed to being the voice of the American seed industry, saying that communication is the clear opportunity for the future. With the disconnect between consumers and those producing food, sharing that message is vital, not just to the seed industry, but to life.

“The continuous advancement in knowledge about how plants function provides information that enables breeders and seed companies opportunities to meet the challenges facing agriculture, and society, today and in the future,” said Herrmann. “Whether a company is on the cutting edge of breeding techniques or they can see them on the horizon, what happens in the coming years will impact us all. There will continue to be challenges and opportunities ahead of and I am confident that ASTA is well positioned to lead the seed industry into the future.”

Listen to Cindy’s interview with Mark here: Interview with incoming ASTA chair, Mark Herrmann

Tracy Tally has been a member of ASTA for a relatively short 8 years, but in that time he’s been much more than a member. He appreciates the opportunities he’s had to stretch beyond his world through his connections in the organization and remembers a key speaker whose message of volunteering struck home.

“Volunteering at this level, on a national level, is just such an honor you just can’t turn it down,” he told AgWired.

You can hear the rest of his interview here: Interview with incoming ASTA first chair, Tracy Tally

2016 ASTA-OSA Annual Meeting photo album

Ag Groups, ASTA, Audio, Seed

Reconnecting with Zimmie at #ASTAannual

Kelly Marshall June 23, 2016

You may remember seeing stripes when ZimmComm attended the National Agri-Marketing Association earlier this year – stripes that looked a lot like a giant stuffed zebra. Zimmie the Zebra made many appearances on Twitter during the event until, at last, Casey Zeller and Samantha Bock with AgReliant Genetics were declared the winner and took Zimmie on to her new home.

Unfortunately, we here at ZimmComm didn’t anticipate just how much we would miss our fuzzy friend. During our team retreat last month a new ‘Zimmie’ was procured and ‘Mini-Z’ has since become our mascot.

So imagine our surprise to run into Zeller again here at the American Seed Trade Association annual meeting! We got a chance to catch up on Zimmie’s new life as part of the Zeller family and we’re happy to hear that he gets plenty of exercise each day being ridden and loved on by their two-year old daughter.

We also discovered Zimmie’s new owner has been serving as the chair for ASTA’s FuSE subcommittee (Future Seed Executives). This group provides an opportunity for professionals who have been in the seed business for less than 7 years to receive training and support. Here at the annual meeting they have been connecting with industry leaders and reaching out to possible new candidates.

If you too would like to hear an update on Zimmie you can listen to my interview with Zeller here: Update on Zimmie with Casey Zeller, AgReliant Genetics

2016 ASTA-OSA Annual Meeting photo album

Ag Groups, ASTA, ZimmComm Announcement

Senate Committee to Vote on Plant Genetics Treaty

Cindy Zimmerman June 23, 2016

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be voting today on one of the the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) top legislative priorities – the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. ASTA is urging the Committee to vote in favor of the Treaty to move it forward to the full Senate for ratification.

ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says the Treaty, which was a big topic at the association’s annual meeting this week, is a simple and non-controversial solution to enable the exchange of plant materials globally.

“The treaty was adopted globally back in the late 1990s and companies began to adopt it in the early 2000s,” said LaVigne. “President Bush pushed it forward to the Senate for passage back in 2008 so this has been hanging out there for eight years trying to get through Senate ratification.”

LaVigne says research shows that more than seventy percent of the food we eat and grow comes from crops that are not native to the U.S. and American researchers need access to global plant materials as they work to develop the next generation of plant varieties to prepare for future challenges like evolving plant pests and diseases, changing climates, and feeding a growing population.

The Treaty has been ratified by more than 139 countries, many of which are both competitors of U.S. agriculture as well as important sources of seed exchange for public and private breeders here at home. Ratification would require no new laws, and it would not require any appropriations from Congress.

In this interview, LaVigne talks about the treaty and the issue of GMO labeling, which is also on the Senate’s plate as a state law in Vermont is due to be implemented by July 1. Interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA

2016 ASTA-OSA Annual Meeting photo album

ASTA, Audio

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